a like number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a like number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an equal or similar quantity of items or elements in a comparison. Example: "In the experiment, we observed a like number of participants in both groups, ensuring a fair comparison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Russian officials promised to ban a like number of Americans.

The New York Times

About 80 great auks and a like number of their eggs are preserved in museums.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, a like number of meetings required only of the law students who are enrolled, will be held at the Law School.

Harvard University

The proposed change can only become effective by the ratification of the Legislatures of three-fourths of the states, or by conventions in a like number of states.

Cornell University

He figures it will be worth it when he reaches the finish line, "and I'm greeted by a thousand people and a like number of moose".

The New York Times

In a herculean effort, Johnston pulled his forces together and, with 40,000 men, suddenly struck a like number of unsuspecting Federals on April 6.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The first of these reports has a line like "Number of secret, gag-ordered surveillance warrants: 0".

The Guardian - Tech

"Instead of just giving you a number like number of education bills proposed, we want to show you relative to others how they do".

TechCrunch

This trust is based upon a VM's attributes, like number of open network connections.

Journal of Cloud Computing: Advances, Systems and Applications

(Pricing is based on a variety of factors, like number of users, GB of data transfer and storage and more).

TechCrunch

The threshold is determined as a function on system parameters like number of antennas, SNR, and so forth.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a like number of" to draw a clear comparison between two quantities, emphasizing their similarity or equality. It is useful in contexts where precise numbers are less important than the relationship between them.

Common error

Avoid using "a like number of" when exact numerical precision is crucial. If the numbers need to be identical for accuracy, use "the same number of" or specify the exact quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a like number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating a quantity that is similar or equivalent to another quantity previously mentioned. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a like number of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to indicate a quantity similar or equal to another quantity, as verified by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While precise numbers are important, using "a like number of" can draw a clear comparison between the number and the degree of association. Alternative phrasing, such as "an equivalent number of" or "a similar quantity of", may be used to convey the same general meaning, though they may impart slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid this construction where accuracy necessitates precise figures; in such cases, it is best to use "the same number of."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an equivalent number of

Emphasizes numerical equivalence more directly.

a similar quantity of

Focuses on the similarity in amount rather than exact equality.

a comparable amount of

Highlights the comparability of the amounts being discussed.

the same quantity of

Indicates an identical amount.

an analogous quantity of

Stresses the analogy or parallel between the two quantities.

a corresponding number of

Implies a direct relationship or correspondence between the numbers.

an equal quantity of

Highlights the equality in quantity.

a proportionate amount of

Focuses on the proportional relationship between the amounts.

a matching number of

Indicates a number that corresponds or matches another number.

a parallel quantity of

Emphasizes the parallel or similar nature of the quantities.

FAQs

How can I use "a like number of" in a sentence?

Use "a like number of" to indicate a quantity that is similar or equal to another quantity. For example, "The study included 100 participants and "a like number of" controls".

What phrases can I use instead of "a like number of"?

You can use phrases like "an equivalent number of", "a similar quantity of", or "a comparable amount of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a like amount of" instead of "a like number of"?

While "a like number of" is more common when referring to countable items, "a like amount of" can be used for non-countable quantities. However, "a similar amount of" is generally preferred in either case.

What's the difference between "a like number of" and "the same number of"?

"A like number of" implies similarity or approximation, while "the same number of" indicates an exact equality. Use "the same number of" when precision is important, and ""a like number of"" when a close approximation is sufficient.